Coating Comparison

Coating Comparison

Comparison of basic properties for different coating types.

Ever since the construction of the first concrete floor, humanity has searched for a way to protect and beautify the surface. Epoxy coatings have been around for some time and have been popular protectors of concrete floors. Fairly new to the party, polyurea coatings have quickly become the darlings of those who want a fast dry time. Let’s examine each of these contenders and see how they stack up against each other.

PROPERTIES

POLYUREA

HYBRID

POLYURETHANE

EPOXY

Hardening time

Extremely fast

Fast

Relatively fast

Relatively slow

Moisture sensitivity

Basically none or very little

Somewhat

Yes

Yes

Colour stability**

Aromatic: Average - Aliphatic: 100% UV resistant

Aromatic: Prone to chalking and yellowing

Aromatic: Prone to chalking and yellowing

Not UV resistant sun fading

Elongation at break

Up to 700% or more

200 – 500%

100 - 400%

Brittle

Abrasion resistance

Very good

Good

Average

Average

Chemical resistance

Excellent

Very good

Average

Good

Temperature resistance

-40ºC to 150ºC

-30ºC to 140ºC

-30ºC to 140ºC

-20ºC to 110ºC

VOC

No

No

Yes

Yes

Durability

Excellent

Very good

Good

Average

Cost per sq. ft.

High

Moderate

Moderate

Low

**Although aromatic polyurethane and polyurea coatings are UV stable they are generally not UV colour fast. Elastomeric Polyureas and Polyurethanes are first and foremost high performance protective coatings. They are not designed as decorative coatings. However, in the event that colour retention is an important consideration in any application, there are Polyurea elastomeric systems based on “aliphatic” chemistry which provide a high level of colour retention. The drawback to these systems is the cost.